Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car to debut in Paris

Following the 208 R2‘s introduction some months back is the Peugeot 208 Type R5 – another one that’s coming to this year’s Paris motor show. Body built for tarmac and gravel, the car will go on sale and participate in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, European Rally Championship and national championships from next year.

Its engine is a 1.6 litre EP6 CDT four-cylinder that produces 280 hp at 6,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. All four wheels are driven through a sequential five-speed gearbox and two self-locking differentials.

The car it replaces, the 207 Super 2000, was a legend in its own right. The 2.0 litre-engined car won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge six times and boasts a string of other victories including San Remo, the Tour de Corse and Monte Carlo. A lot to live up to, then – but the 208 R5 has a 40 kg lighter shell than the 207 S2000, which should help things.

Launched by the FIA for 2013, the R5 category is made up of Group A vehicles derived from a production model and at least 25,000 units must be built.

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

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